HEEL PAIN - CAUSES AND TREATMENT
posted: Aug. 10, 2018.
Every mile you walk puts tons of stress on each foot, overtime this excessive stress and extra load may cause you to develop heel pain, the most common problem affecting the foot and ankle.
Many individuals ignore the signs of early heel pain and continue to do the activities that aggravate their condition. This may lead to further problems and could potentially cause chronic heel pain.
Causes
Plantar fasciitis: or inflammation of the plantar fascia: The plantar fascia is a strong bowstring-like ligament that runs from the calcaneum (heel bone) to the tip of the foot.
When the plantar fascia is stretched too far, its soft tissue fibers become inflamed. This usually happens where it attaches to the heel bone, but sometimes it affects the middle of the foot. Pain is felt under the foot, especially after long periods of rest. Calf-muscle cramps may occur if the Achilles tendon tightens too.
Severs disease: This is the most common cause of heel pain in child and teenage athletes, caused by overuse and repetitive microtrauma of the growth plates of the heel bone. It most commonly affects children aged 7 to 15 years.
Achilles tendinosis: This is also known as degenerative tendinopathy, tendinitis, tendinosis, and tendinopathy. It is a chronic condition associated with the progressive degeneration of the Achilles tendon.
- Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
- NSAIDs can reduce pain and swelling.
- Orthotics, or assistive devices, and insoles can help correct foot faults and cushion and support the arch during the healing process.
